once upon…

It all began, when my parents gifted me a La Pavoni hand-lever espresso machine for Christmas. Motivated by my relentless drive for perfection, I embarked on countless experiments in search of the ultimate espresso recipe. Through meticulous adjustments to the grind size, water temperature and pressure, I finally arrived at a magical measurement: exactly 13.5 grams of coffee for a single espresso.

Back then, this precision embodied my pursuit of perfection, my determination to optimise every parameter until I reached what I believed was a flawless result. For me, dreizehn einhalb gramm stood for the commitment to detail and perfection.

from coffee to cup.

With my “perfect” espresso dialled in, it was only natural to tackle the next challenge: crafting the ideal cup to hold it. In early 2022, in a fit of enthusiasm, I purchased a potter’s wheel. Drawing on my background in architecture — and some prior experience working with clay — I felt sure I could create the perfect vessel for my espresso shots.

However, I soon discovered that clay resists total control. Unlike the precise measurements of espresso-making, there is no exact formula for shaping clay. Minute variations and small imperfections shape each piece, and I soon learnt that these unique details are what give every item its character.

the illusion of perfection.

Although my initial passion for coffee was rooted in the quest for perfect precision, working with clay taught me a new lesson: to let go. Embracing the unpredictable nature of the material revealed that perfection is fleeting, and that genuine beauty often lies in subtle deviations.

Today, dreizehn einhalb gramm no longer symbolises the sole pursuit of minute exactitude. It has evolved into a celebration of both the love of detail and the acceptance of imperfection — in my ceramics, and in life more broadly.

dreizehn einhalb gramm.

All my pieces are handcrafted and wheel-thrown in my studio in Frankfurt am Main. With a mindful process from soft clay to fired stoneware, I focus on clean shapes and subtle details, striving to create timeless pieces for everyday use. Each object bears the marks of its making, telling its own unique story through the gentle irregularities that set it apart.

I believe handcrafted pottery boldly challenges replication, mass production and consumerism — encouraging a more conscious approach to ownership. My goal is to create pieces that become an integral part of your daily rituals, objects you cherish for years to come. Ultimately, each creation serves as a reminder to value the beauty in imperfection and to celebrate what can emerge when we learn to let go of total control.